Brecknock 2026

It is a privilege I hold with immense pride and one I hope to fulfil with the same commitment to agriculture, rural life and community that has long defined the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Agricultural shows have been a constant presence throughout my life. From an early age, summer Saturdays were devoted to exhibiting livestock – initially Cefnbrynich pedigree horned Herefords alongside my father and later, on leaving school, the Brecknock Hill Cheviot sheep.

Those early years not only provided invaluable practical experience, but also the opportunity to learn from the doyens of the livestock world, whose knowledge, wisdom and generosity left a lasting impression. The family has exhibited at the Show on several occasions; the highlight was undoubtedly witnessing the next generation – seven Havard cousins – participating in the Young Handlers competition around 2012.

My first visit to the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd remains vivid. As a child more familiar with the intimacy of the then Senni Show, the scale and ambition of the Royal Welsh was both awe-inspiring and, at times, overwhelming. In an era before mobile phones, staying close to my parents for fear of becoming that ‘missing child’ was imperative.

Our county’s close association with Llanelwedd places us at the heart of the Royal Welsh Show and the economic and social benefits arising from this relationship cannot be overstated. The Society’s activities generate tens of millions of pounds annually for the local economy, while also sustaining the cultural fabric of our rural communities and, with it, the Welsh language.

The Featured County cycle has provided an excellent opportunity to further strengthen these connections through a series of well-supported events. These bring together people from across the county in a spirit of collaboration and celebration.

The 2025 programme, as we ‘shadowed’ Caernarfon, began with our county stalwart Jennifer Thomas’s highly popular roadside plant stall. This was followed by a constant flow of amazing events including the Epynt Quad Bike Run, Champions Under Canvas, Elfed’s Stockpersons’ Supper and, of course, that unforgettable day at Cnewr, ‘Shearing is Caring’, to mention but a few.

It culminated with the 100-strong Feature County Choir’s debut performance at a special carol service in Brecon Cathedral. The choir was supported by an ensemble from the Royal Welsh Military Band and provided a fitting celebration of community, music and shared endeavour, enjoyed by a capacity audience.

Looking ahead, preparations for 2026 continue apace, with our flagship Grassland Event scheduled for 12 June at Cwmbrynich Farm, where it will be our family’s honour to host this significant gathering. The Havards have been working land in this area for centuries – since the family first arrived at Pontwilym in 1093 – and one cannot help but imagine the joy of our forefathers were they to drive past the farm on that special day in June.

Under the experienced leadership of former President Mr John Davies of Pentre Farm – who also pioneered the first RWAS Grassland Event – the organising committee is working hard to deliver an event of the highest standard. Exhibitor interest is strong and the site is developing well, which I am confident will meet the expectations of our hands-on Grassland President, Mr Gareth Wynn Davies, former CEO of Wynnstay.

The enthusiasm and support shown by individuals, businesses and organisations across the county is both humbling and reassuring. As a family, we are sincerely grateful to all who have given their time, resources and goodwill to support the Society and strengthen the bonds that underpin rural life.

As attention turns to the Royal Welsh Show itself, there is never a shortage of excitement in the Llwynrhys household – particularly when the caravan is dusted off for the annual pilgrimage to Llanelwedd. This July will be especially significant and we look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors from across Wales and beyond.

As a livestock man, the quality on display never ceases to amaze me – quite simply, the crème de la crème. We have recently marked the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of beef from the food chain on 25 March 1996, when the devastating impact of BSE was fully felt by the UK farming community. We are still living with the continuing and harrowing impact of TB.

Over the past three decades, the industry has faced immense challenges: disease, political uncertainty and market pressures that tested its resilience. Yet throughout, our farmers have continued to produce food of the highest standard, often without due recognition.

With global production tightening and populations increasing, the importance of our role in food production is once again coming sharply into focus. I firmly believe that agriculture stands on the threshold of renewed appreciation and acclamation.

The vision and vitality of the current generation of young farmers – in my opinion, the most vital since the Second World War – will no doubt rise to the challenge and lead agriculture into a new era of opportunity. They will have to step up to the plate as populations grow and the pressures of producing food within a predominantly urban context continue to increase.

In closing, the honour of serving as your President would not be possible without the unwavering support of my wife, Ceri, our daughters Elin, Nia and Ffion, my extended family and loyal friends. I am also deeply grateful to the Advisory Committee, the invaluable RWAS staff led by our industrious Chief Executive, Aled Jones, officials and the many volunteers who give so generously of their time.

Finally, honouring the visionaries who entrusted us with something so precious, Brecknock is proud to play a small part in ensuring it not only endures but continues to flourish for generations to come.

Diolch yn fawr.

Gethin W T Havard FRAgS